Names have been changed in the story to protect the privacy of those involved.
Image: With NGN’s help, Balaji and Archana headed home with Manish a month ago.
NGN’s Nancy Wong had a chance to speak with Manish with the help of reintegration manager Gyala Lama to learn about this heartwarming story.
Nancy: Manish, please share your story with us.
Manish: The economic conditions in my village were not good, so I moved our family to the Kathmandu Valley. But the children’s mother ended up in jail, and I was working as a servant so I was not able to properly care for the children. I sent Archana and Balaji to an orphanage because I thought they would be better off there than with me. Little did I know, Geeta (the woman running the orphanage) would make a business out of it.
N: Many other people also mistakenly think that life is better in a children’s home even though it is the opposite of the truth. When did you find out there was something wrong with Geeta’s orphanage?
M: I guess I was ignorant about the conditions before the rescue. I used to go to the orphanage to pick up my kids for their long holidays but I was never allowed in the rooms of the house. I only realized how horrible things really were after Archana and Balaji was rescued and NGN found me.
N: Did you miss your children when they were away from home?
M: Of course I missed them! I felt very sad. But beyond missing them, I convinced myself that it was for the better. I used to hear all these stories about children growing up in orphanages – well fed and properly educated. I really had no choice but to send them away because we were struggling financially. I had to work, and their mother was not around to take care of them. I just had no choice.
N: That is very difficult. Are you happy to have Archana and Balaji back?
M: Absolutely (said with the largest, brightest smile, looking lovingly at Archana and Balaji who were marching a toy sheep and a toy lion across the bed)! I am very happy to have them back. I will educate them and care for them with any means possible.
N: How wonderful! How has your life changed after the reunification?
M: I used to always worry about them, not knowing exactly what is happening with them. Now I am happy that they are safe and secure with me. I also separated from my wife because she is not a good influence on the children and doesn’t properly care for them. It is difficult working so hard every day, taking care of them, and sending them to school, but I am doing it from my heart. It is not a burden at all. Also, I used to drink a lot, but for my kids I gave up drinking two months ago, and haven’t touched a drop of alcohol since. I want to be a good father. I will work hard for my children, to give them a happy life.
N: That is amazing. Do you have any special plans for the upcoming Dasain festival now that the family is back together again?
M: I will try but I have no special plans because money is tight for us. I don’t want to make promises that I may not be able to deliver and disappoint the kids. The most important thing is to do what I can to make them happy.
N: You have each other, and that really matters so much. Do you have any special messages for other parents about child trafficking?
M: Please do not send your children to orphanages. More than half of them use your children to make a profit, just like a business. It is like throwing a stone into the darkness with no target, not knowing what will happen to the kids. Children are the most happy with their parents. I also want to thank NGN for saving my children. I am so happy to have my whole family back together again.
Image: Manish, the proud and motivated father, with his children. Archana (left) and Balaji (right) are also very happy to be home.